asked the Minister for Finance if the value added tax is likely to cost more per £1 of revenue to collect than the present turnover and wholesale taxes; and, if so, how much.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Value Added Tax.
12.
The cost of collecting the value added tax cannot be estimated accurately pending final decisions on the structure and scope of the tax. Some increase over the cost of collecting the turnover and wholesale taxes is expected but it is unlikely to be substantial.
Would the Minister not agree that at least approximate quantification would be desirable before a final decision is taken as to the shape of this tax?
I do not think the Deputy appreciates the point I made in that an approximate quantification cannot be made until the final shape and scope of the tax is fixed.
Surely the Minister has some idea as to what this will be?
The Deputy is putting the cart before the horse.
Surely the Minister will have some idea of the set-up in countries where tax is already being collected in this way and, consequently, he should know what percentage should be charged here?
Yes, but the matter is not as simple as that. There is a difference from country to country as to the basis of the tax, the items on which tax is imposed and so on.
The Minister must know the system he has in mind.
Yes, but this is not necessarily the same as in other countries.
When will a decision be taken?
I am calling Question No. 13.
A decision has been taken.
We are running out of time.